[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 COMMEMORATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to honor one of the 
Nation's most vibrant communities: Hispanic-Americans, and join in 
celebrating September 15 through October 15, 1997, as Hispanic Heritage 
Month.
  America is blessed with a wide variety of peoples and cultures. The 
Hispanic community, comprising cultures from Central and South America 
as well as Europe, has had an especially far-reaching impact on our 
Nation. From the arts and literature, to the sciences and business, the 
Hispanic community has helped shape America into a vibrant, dynamic 
society envied by the world.
  It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge Hispanic Americans and 
their immigrant ancestors for their many significant and positive 
contributions to America. This country was built by immigrants--a great 
many of whom were of Hispanic descent. Hispanic individuals came to 
this country to seek opportunity, flee oppression, or find a better 
place to raise their families.
  Many of these immigrants became successful in many disciplines, 
including business, education, entertainment, politics, and medicine. 
We know them, or their children or grandchildren, as pillars of our 
communities. And many immigrants went beyond the call of duty to serve 
their adopted homeland.
  One such immigrant was Alfred Rascone, who immigrated to the United 
States from Mexico. At age 20, as a lawful permanent American resident, 
Mr. Rascone volunteered for military service in Vietnam as a 
paratrooper combat medic. On one fateful mission Mr. Rascone twice used 
his own body to shield wounded comrades from enemy guns. Severely 
wounded, he refused to be evacuated until all the wounded were safe. He 
kept tending the wounded until he collapsed, so hurt that a priest at 
the scene gave him last rites.
  Mr. Rascone's comrades are to this day pursuing his proper 
recognition: the Congressional Medal of Honor.
  Our Nation is much richer for having Alfred Rascone in it. He has the 
kind of character any American would do well to emulate. We can only 
gain by attracting more Alfred Rascones to our shores.
  Across the Nation and in my home State of Michigan, events are taking 
place which demonstrate the rich Hispanic heritage in our country. 
These festivities will give every American the chance to participate in 
Hispanic culture. These events will educate, inform, and entertain, all 
with a distinctive cultural flair. Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes 
how important this community is to the United States, and I join my 
colleagues in looking forward to the many opportunities this month will 
provide.

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